Exodus 10

29 verses

TL;DR

Moses and Aaron confront Pharaoh, threatening locusts and darkness, but Pharaoh hardens his heart yet briefly repents before the plague fully unfolds.

Summary

In Exodus 10, Moses and Aaron demand Pharaoh release the Israelites, warning of locusts that will cover the land and devour all vegetation left after the hail. Pharaoh’s servants urge him to let the people go, yet he refuses, and the plagues begin with locusts that sweep across Egypt. Moses stretches his hand over Egypt, calling down an east wind that brings the locusts, and a west wind later disperses them. Despite Pharaoh’s momentary repentance, God hardens his heart again, and darkness falls over Egypt for three days while the Israelites remain unharmed. The chapter ends with Pharaoh's continued obstinacy, culminating in the promise that his vision of Moses will bring death.

Outline

1. Moses and Aaron threaten locusts and darkness if Pharaoh refuses; 2. The locust plague is enacted and spreads across Egypt; 3. Pharaoh briefly repents but is hardened again, and darkness remains a sign of divine judgment

Themes

Divine judgment and deliveranceThe power of faith over human obstinanceThe role of obedience in the pursuit of freedom

Keywords

hardening of heartlocustsdarknessrepentanceobstructiondeliverance

People

MosesAaronPharaohGod

Places

EgyptRed SeaPharaoh's land

Things

locustseast windwest windthick darknessrod

Key Verses

Exodus 10:12: Moses commands the locusts, illustrating God's direct intervention
Exodus 10:15: The locusts cover the earth, showing the extent of the plague
Exodus 10:21: God commands the darkness, a unique plague distinct from the others
Exodus 10:18: Pharaoh's brief repentance highlights human vulnerability to divine authority

Questions

What does Pharaoh’s repeated hardening of his heart reveal about human nature?
How does the use of natural forces (locusts, wind, darkness) serve as signs in the narrative?
In what ways does the promise of deliverance contrast with the ongoing plagues?
What lesson can modern readers draw from the interplay between repentance and divine judgment?
How does the depiction of darkness function symbolically in the context of oppression?

Sentiment

mixed
Contains both divine wrath and moments of human repentance, reflecting tension between judgment and mercy